Dear UJ community,
Earlier this week, I had the honour of addressing the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Kyoto, Japan. The session in which I participated, titled “AI in Business: Job Elimination and Creation / Retraining,” brought together global leaders from academia, government and industry to reflect on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the future of work.
I take pride in UJ being at the forefront of this global dialogue, aligning our work with these international imperatives. Our strong focus on AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) continues to drive innovation that advances both knowledge and societal progress. Participation in platforms like the STS Forum reaffirms our commitment to shaping a future where technology serves humanity ethically, inclusively and objectively. Thank you to each of you who continues to drive our vision forward.
Season of achievement and celebration
As we approach the end of this remarkable year, our campuses remain alive with energy and excitement. The Spring/Summer Graduations have filled our halls with joy and pride, while many of you are also preparing for the upcoming year-end examinations. It is an inspiring time that reminds us of how far we have come through hard work, perseverance and the shared spirit that defines the UJ community. As you are aware, our graduation ceremonies celebrate personal milestones and the collective excellence and innovation that make UJ what it is today. Over the coming weeks, more of our graduates will step onto the stage, ready to take their place in the world. Each cap and gown symbolises dedication, resilience and the transformative power of education.
A highlight of this graduation season was the conferral of an honorary doctorate on Ms Antjie Krog on 8 October 2025. A celebrated Afrikaans poet, author, journalist and academic, Ms Krog’s voice has profoundly shaped South Africa’s literary and social landscape. Her poetry, translations and reporting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) inspire important conversations about justice, identity and transformation. This recognition aligns deeply with UJ values. As we honour her achievements, we also celebrate the bright promise of our graduating Class of 2025. To all our graduates, congratulations! You carry forward the UJ spirit of innovation and societal impact. I am confident that the knowledge and values gained at UJ will guide you as you step confidently into the next chapter.
Recognising our educators
The world celebrated World Teachers’ Day earlier this week, a moment to honour educators who dedicate their lives to shaping minds and transforming futures. At UJ, we recognise and celebrate every lecturer, tutor and mentor who continues to inspire excellence, ignite curiosity and nurture the next generation of leaders. Your steadfast commitment to teaching and learning excellence remains among the strongest pillars of our University’s success. To all our academic and support staff, thank you for your tireless dedication and guidance. Your work continues to shape futures and open doors to possibilities.
World Mental Health Day
Today also marks World Mental Health Day. As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, we are reminded that well-being is just as important as academic success. With the exam season intensifying, it is natural to feel anxious or overwhelmed. I want to reiterate, as previously communicated, that support is always available through our Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD), either through counselling, walk-in sessions, or the 24-hour Crisis Line at 082 054 1137.
Bringing sight, service and solidarity to life
As part of our ongoing commitment to societal impact, I am pleased to share an initiative close to my heart. Each year, the world observes World Sight Day on the second Thursday in October, a reminder of the importance of eye health and vision care. Yesterday, our Faculty of Health Sciences sent a group of approximately 80 students from Optometry, Chiropractic, Podiatry, Emergency Medical Services, and Sports and Medicine to assist the elderly community of Lenasia South. They reached around 700 seniors, providing complete eye tests, foot assessments and related treatments. Free eyeglasses were also distributed in partnership with the Association of SA Optometry. These outreach experiences are deeply transformative. Thanks to the leadership of Professor Nabeela Hasrod Gany, Head of Optometry, our students are engaging with communities in ways that strengthen collaboration, purpose and unity. I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible. Together, we continue to build a healthier and more inclusive society.
Celebrating Staff and Student Achievements
No newsletter would be complete without acknowledging the remarkable achievements of our staff and students. Every award, publication and recognition adds to the collective prestige of our University and, more importantly, inspires others to pursue excellence in their fields. Congratulations to all who have recently been honoured.
In the same spirit of innovation and impact, UJ, in partnership with KFC, recently hosted an event addressing child hunger in South Africa. The initiative brought together young innovators, industry experts and community leaders to share ideas and develop sustainable solutions to food insecurity. A highlight of the event was the “Hack Hunger” hackathon, where teams presented creative ideas to address hunger. Third-year UJ Computer Science student Shepard Thobejane was part of the winning team, Cntrl-Alt-Del-Hunger, who walked away with a R1 million prize for their innovative concept that rescues “imperfect” fruits and vegetables from farms and redistributes them to communities in need. In partnership with Add Hope and Misfits Mzansi, the team promotes food security through awareness campaigns, digital innovation and social collaboration. By using KFC Wi-Fi captive portal technology, social media outreach and real-time data tracking, they aim to amplify their impact nationwide. Congratulations to all participants, to the winning team, for demonstrating how UJ’s spirit of innovation can help build a better, more equitable society.
Special congratulations
Still in the spirit of celebrating excellence, I wish to extend my congratulations to Professor Omar Yaghi of the University of California, Berkeley, on being awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. His work in reticular chemistry and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has opened new frontiers in addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from clean water and clean energy to environmental sustainability. UJ are especially honoured to have recently hosted Prof Yaghi for the launch of the Berkeley Global Science Institute (BGSI) Africa Node, led by our Faculty of Science. His engagement with our University demonstrates the importance of meaningful global collaboration in advancing knowledge that transforms lives. This achievement is a powerful reminder that science knows no borders and that partnerships built on shared purpose can deliver lasting impact.
Orange Carpet
Lastly, this week, we showcased the next generation of excellence at our Orange Carpet event, where around 400 top-performing matriculants and their families joined us on campus. The event offered these future UJ students a glimpse into the opportunities that await them, from early conditional admission to bursaries and the vibrant student life that defines our University. The Orange Carpet programme continues to attract some of South Africa’s brightest minds, with applicants typically holding an Admission Point Score (APS) of 37 or higher. These learners represent the promise of tomorrow and remind us that excellence begins long before graduation. I look forward to welcoming them to the UJ community in 2026.
Ke a leboha, ngiyabonga, thank you, baie dankie!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
